Asia’s US trade deals in doubt after Trump’s Supreme Court tariff defeat

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Biman MukherjiFebruary 23, 2026 at 05:49 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A recent Supreme Court ruling weakened the legal basis for tariffs imposed by former President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose a 15% tariff on all US imports. This action has caused uncertainty among Asian nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, which had previously agreed to specific US import tariffs in exchange for relief from potentially higher duties. These countries are now questioning the stability and value of trade deals negotiated with the US over the past year. India has already postponed a trade delegation to Washington, signaling a cautious approach to further trade negotiations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Asia Society Policy Institute 40% Wendy Cutler 50% Malaysia 60% Vietnam 60% Cambodia 60% Bangladesh 60% Pakistan 60% India ×260% Indonesia 60% International Emergency Economic Powers Act 70% United States ×580% Donald Trump ×290%

Keywords

us trade deals 90% tariffs 80% supreme court ruling 70% trade agreements 70% asian trading partners 60% international emergency economic powers act 60% section 122 of the 1974 trade act 50% trade delegation 40% us imports 40%